Manchester's hottest new restaurants bring the best of London to the North

Manchester really is the place to be. And not just because it’s the home of No10 North. While it’s been at the forefront of five star dining for some time (read: Where The Light Gets In, Erst, Fenix, The Sparrows and so many more…) 2026 has seen some of the hottest London exports take centre stage. Two of the newest, Gaucho and Gordon Ramsey at The Fairmont, Cheshire, need shouting about. And I’m here to tell you why…

For those who aren’t versed in Gaucho lore, the premium steakhouse chain specialises in Argentine beef and open-fire asado cooking. Cuts like ribeye, sirloin, rump, and fillet are the stars of the show, although the extensive menu features dishes inspired by broader Latin American flavours too, including ceviche and empanadas. A bold and accomplished wine list offers one of the largest collections of Argentine wines outside of Argentina.

Gaucho’s new setting in Manchester is spectacular. In a former Methodist church in the city centre Deansgate area, a cosy bar welcomes guests with gently lit sofas and stools, and a robust drinks list to explore. I had the spicy guava margarita, which was reassuringly hot - and just as delicious. My partner John had a pinot noir, recommended by a knowledgeable bar man.

Once one’s thirst is sated, the dining room awaits, with a towering 19th-century church organ as the centrepiece of the dramatic, split-level dining room. To one side, an open kitchen allows a glimpse at the magic.

To start, John and I had cheese and truffle croquettes (£6.95), crab on toast (£14.95) and scallops (£19.50), which were devoured in seconds and completely exquisite. For mains, we both chose fillet steak (£50), with sides of chips, green beans and humita (creamed corn with whipped goat's curd and ancho chilli oil). For pudding? The sticky toffee (£9.50) was a no brainer. And we washed the lot down with a bottle of perfect malbec.

Gaucho manages to bridge the gap between a real treat and a home from home. It offers well cooked crowd pleasers in a swoon worthy setting. A welcome addition to the Manchester scene indeed.

Whether you stay at the brand new Fairmont hotel in Cheshire or not, a trip to eat at the new Gordon Ramsay at The Mere restaurant is an absolute must. Its opening marks the star chef’s first new out-of-town fine-dining establishment in the UK outside of London in over two decades and includes main dining seating, a private dining room, and an adjoining speakeasy-style cocktail bar.

When it comes to cuisine, the menu boasts classic British dishes that spotlight ingredients sourced locally from Cheshire and across the UK, with classic Ramsay staples like the signature beef Wellington, alongside refined starters such as aged beef tartare with egg yolk confit, creamy burrata with heritage beetroot, and baked scallops in the shell with calamansi butter.

Come for the sweeping views out onto the golf course and mere, and stay for the perfect pineapple picante. Both upscale and genuinely relaxed, John and I took the children for dinner and they were welcomed with open arms.